Jo Salter

Imagine being in control of 25 million pounds of screaming metal flying just above the ground – decisions have to be immediate, reflexes lightning fast. For Jo Salter, this was just the day job when she became Britain’s first female fast jet pilot flying the Tornado GR1, then one of 5 women fighter pilots in the world.

Her military experience is multifaceted: technical; professional; managerial; political. Add 7 years of e-commerce experience and management consultancy in both the public and private sector, an MBA, Associate Lectureship with the Open University Business School and flying air cadets as a volunteer pilot for the RAF at weekends – and no wonder Jo is so successful in combining management and leadership theory with her unique practical experiences to present a humorous, inspiring and moving range of speeches.

As a combat ready pilot with 617 Squadron, the Dambusters, Jo experienced operational tours of duty and took part in large international NATO exercises around the world. She worked in intelligence. She became a fast jet instructor. Her tales from such an elite world offer alternative insights into personal development, meeting challenges and succeeding in the face of adversity.

Jo has extensive experience of working with the media, from featuring on the front page of The Times to international radio and television coverage. Her television appearances include Record Breakers as well as various documentaries.

Jo uses her boundless energy, never-failing humour, compassion and understanding, as well as her advanced skills, to facilitate workshops, carry out life changing seminars, conduct high performance coaching sessions and enable individuals and organisations to solve problems.

Achievement is a way of life for Jo – and, yes, achievement while living in the real world as a daughter, sister, parent, friend Jo is a determined and visionary realist.  Be prepared to be challenged.

“Jo’s style was relaxed and very well matched to the brief and the audience of senior educational leaders, which was to look at the qualities and characteristics of courageous leadership. A particular emphasis was placed on resilience.  Her speech was well received and the audience took away some key messages about their own leadership challenges.  Jo also worked with a group of young secondary school students in an informal session. The group responded well to her open and persuasive manner.”  Middlesbrough School Alliance